Is it really worth it to take driving lessons?

I have my class 7 learners and I will be going for my class 5 within the next month or so. Basically, I want to know if anyone has taken professional lessons and if they really feel that they are worth the amount of money they cost. I feel completely comfortable with the classroom type info (road signs, speed limits, etc) it's just that I've had little to know experience behind the wheel. I have friends that are willing to help me practice, but I just wanted to get someone's opinion on the whole Driver's Ed thing. Thanks.
Additional Details
I just wanted to make a note of something: I'm not a teenager just learning to drive, I'm 22, so my parent will not be teaching me, nor will she be paying for my lessons. =P

Stargazer

A classroom environment can only give you the basics. What you really need to do is...get a "real feel" of the road..and what it means to handle a vehicle...so..yes...it is worth it.
You can get enough training to get a license...but only "hands on" experience behind the wheel will make you a good and proficient driver...and that only comes from a lot of experience.

Best advice.....take the lessons...and learn from the experience.

TyH

I didn't take driver's Ed but I did have the benefit of an Experienced driver with 20 years of driving. The things I would suggest you need to learn - scanning the road, handling your vehicle in inclement weather, signalling habitually - I don't think Driver's Ed is necessary or even best for but definitely someone with at least 5 years of accident-free driving.

Darrell .

Yes it is, and a plus is you'll get a break on your insurance

ncsufan

I took driver's ed. It is comforting to know that the car you're learning in has a second set of brakes to help if you get in trouble.

It was part of my schooling in Middle School or High School. So we didn't have to pay for it.

Fred C

If you learn from friends, you will learn any bad habits they have. A driving instructor is trained not only to teach you how to drive, but also to spot the little errors that can compound into big problems.

Llala

Driving is a skill. You need to learn this skill. A driving instructor will teach you EVERYTHING that you need to know. I once read a book on surgery...shall I operate on you...of course not! It`s the same thing! Your friends will have bad habits and not have all the answers to your questions. it would be money well spent to get the lessons.

Malcolm Equis

Depends on your parents. If they can remain calm through your mistakes and have the time to teach you; you can save some money.

But my parents (especially Dad) were always jumpy and made me extremely nervous; finally we just gave up and I went to Driver's Ed from a local community college. The teachers there are used to mistakes and are trained not to overreact; they'll make you much less nervous about driving.

But there is also the point that you when you complete the driver's ed course, you can take that certificate and show it to whichever insurance company covers the car you will drive. This usually can get you a discount (or your parents if they pay it) on the insurance premiums that usually more than pays back your parents for the cost of driver's ed.

I say it would probably be better to go ahead and take the course; the overall help is worth the cost.

bungee

I doubt if it is worth it in your case. you just need some behind the wheel time and you will be fine.

UCANTCME

Plain and simple.......just take them and you will learn more.

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